Having captivated the nation with her stint on ‘Bigg Boss 13’, Shehnaaz Gill, affectionately known as ‘Punjab Ki Katrina Kaif’, made a stellar transition from a regional sensation to a national celebrity. Her journey, post her appearance on the reality show, has been nothing short of cinematic. This year, the ebullient actress marked her entry into the Hindi film industry alongside Salman Khan in the motion picture ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’, achieving a milestone in her flourishing acting career.
Despite the commercial performance of her film ‘Thank You For Coming’ not reaching anticipated heights, Gill earned plaudits for her portrayal and subsequently represented the cinematic work at the Toronto Film Festival. There she was joined by well-regarded artists such as Bhumi Pednekar, Kusha Kapila, Shibani Bedi, and Dolly Singh.
In a recent and illuminating conversation with News18 Showsha, Shehnaaz Gill reflected on her transformative year and the consequent maturity that it fostered within her. “I’ve become a little more mature now if not completely. Earlier, I used to be very childish. I now know how to handle and tackle certain situations better,” she divulged.
Having graced the silver screen with Bollywood heavyweight Salman Khan, Shehnaaz is now setting her sights on sharing the limelight with another titan of the Indian film industry, Ranbir Kapoor. Despite having admired him from afar at events, she harbors aspirations of a more collaborative nature. “Going ahead, I want to work with all the superstars. But if I have to choose one, it will be Ranbir Kapoor. I’ve never met him in person, but I’ve seen his work and presence, which I admire,” Shehnaaz stated with a blend of ambition and reverence.
In a surprising revelation, the actress admitted her initial reluctance to auditioning prior to her ‘Bigg Boss’ fame. She noted a significant shift in her perspective towards auditions, now recognizing their integral value in the industry. “I wouldn’t go in for auditions before Bigg Boss. Now I’m open to giving auditions. I understand their importance and the opportunities they represent,” she acknowledged, signifying her newfound commitment to her craft.
Shehnaaz also spoke candidly about the inevitability of rejection in the acting world. She expressed her belief that rejection should not be feared, but embraced as a learning experience, saying, “Rejection is a part and parcel of our lives. Even if I get rejected, I know that I’ll learn a lot from it. I feel a person should experience rejections. It’s an integral part of life, and it helps us grow.”
The forthright artist further shared her desire for filmmakers to delve beyond the surface and explore her versatility. Gill’s hopes for the future include breaking away from the typecast roles often offered to her, rising from the parameters of her ‘real-self’ on screen. She elaborated on a recent script she heard, which picturizes her as an internet phenomenon, reflective of her own reality. “This is my reality and I want to break this notion in films. I want to do something different on screen. I would like filmmakers to take risks and present me in a different way. I believe my talent justifies the chance to do different things,” Gill asserted with conviction to the Press Trust of India (PTI).
Shehnaaz Gill’s narrative is one of resilience, growth, and the relentless pursuit of evolvement both as an individual and an artist. Her candidness, coupled with a firm grasp of the realities of showbiz, signals her readiness to take on varied and challenging roles, which may very well change the trajectory of her blossoming career in Bollywood. With her eyes set on stars like Ranbir Kapoor and a heart open to the twists and turns of the industry, Shehnaaz Gill is poised to carve a niche that only she can truly define.
